Strategy

Ikea wants to expand the warehouse of its Detroit-area store in Canton, Mich. As a result, Ikea Canton, which opened June 2006 at 311,000 sq. ft., would grow to approximately 355,000 sq. ft. Initial utility work would begin this summer with actual construction starting in autumn. The store would remain open and operational during construction, maintaining its full product offering throughout the project’s completion in spring 2015.

Waban, Mass. -- Sam's Club and Amazon.com deliver the best customer experience in the retail industry, according to the 2014 Temkin Experience Ratings, an annual ranking of companies based on a study of 10,000 U.S. consumers. Sam's Club and Amazon.com continue their reign as the highest-rated retailers for the third straight year, each earning an "excellent" rating.

Washington, D.C. – President Obama reportedly wants to raise the maximum salary threshold for overtime eligibility for salaried employees. According to Reuters, Obama has directed the Labor Department to raise the current maximum salary level of $455 per week, which covers about 12% of all hourly employees.

Anaheim, Calif. – Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. reported a net loss of $22.5 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, up from a net loss of $19.8 million in the same period a year earlier. Net sales dropped 2% to $218.6 million $222.8 million, while same-store sales rose 2%.

Pacific Sunwear cited the 53rd week in fiscal 2012 as negatively affecting its comparative fiscal 2013 results. Looking ahead, the retailer expects a same-store sales increase of 1 to 4% and revenues of $169 million to $174 million during fiscal 2014.

Tejon Ranch, Calif. — Slated to open in August, The Outlets at Tejon has announced the appointment of Brian P. Hassett as the new center’s general manager. Hassett brings more than 25 years of experience in the retail industry — more than 10 of them focused on outlet retail — to the post.

Academy Sports + Outdoors is carrying on with its Midwestern expansion and plans to open four new stores across Indiana and Kentucky later this fall.

The first two locations — Evansville, Ind., and Owensboro, Ky., will mark Academy's entry into both states followed by the opening of stores in Louisville and Middletown, Ky., prior to the holidays. In total, the four stores will generate approximately 575 jobs.

Katy, Texas -- Sporting goods retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors will continue its Midwestern expansion push with plans to open four new stores across Indiana and Kentucky later this fall.
 
The first two locations — Evansville, Ind., and Owensboro, Ky. — will mark Academy's entry into both states followed by the opening of stores in Louisville and Middletown, Ky., prior to the holidays.

Iconix Brand Group has made changes to its executive management team.

Seth Horowitz has been promoted to chief operating officer. Jeff Lupinacci has been hired as CFO, and Rodney Hutton has been hired as EVP of the men's division.

Warren Clamen has resigned as CFO to pursue other opportunities, according to the company.